August 28, 2025
/
10:00 am
–
11:00 am
in blocks/fi
Featuring:
• Eric Gabrielson, Chief Officer of Expansion & Brand Management, Friends of the Children
• Rebecca Rader, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Voices for Children
• Tonya Torosian, Chief Executive Officer, Promises2Kids
• Don Wells, Chief Empowerment Officer, Just in Time for Foster Youth
Facilitator: Sharyn Goodson, Senior Vice President, Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego
Each year, about 3,500 children in San Diego County enter foster care due to abuse or neglect, making our region one of the highest in California for foster enrollments. The challenges don’t stop there. Foster youth frequently endure emotional trauma, unstable housing, disruptions in school, and an increased risk of exploitation.
When they age out, about 300 young people each year are left to navigate adulthood without stable housing, mental health support, or access to education and jobs.
But there is hope.
Join us for a powerful panel discussion focused on practical solutions to support foster youth. Frontline providers will share:
- Strategies to prevent entry into the foster care system
- Healing-focused services helping youth thrive
- Stories of resilience
- Ways to help improve outcomes for vulnerable youth
